Though upscale salad toppings such as ginger-miso dressing and Dijon vinaigrette are popular at area eateries, the enduring ranch dressing—a rich blend of buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, herbs, and spices—somehow remains both classic and trendy.

Lovers of the creamy dressing owe it all to a cowboy named Steve Henson. While working as a contract plumber in Alaska in the early ’50s, Henson started serving ranch dressing to his crew. In 1954, he and his wife, Gayle, opened the Hidden Valley dude ranch near Santa Barbara, where they began selling the sauce. By the end of the ’60s, orders were being shipped to all 50 states—and around the world.

On a local level, Essex-based dressing company Tessemae’s continues Henson’s legacy with a healthy twist. Tessemae’s ranch dressings are organic and dairy-free and come in a variety of one-of-a-kind flavor profiles, from spicy habañero to the citrusy cilantro lime—and even everything bagel.

“We typically develop flavors based on what’s inspiring us, what we want to eat, and what we want to feed our families at home,” says Kristen Dittami, Tessemae’s executive chef and executive vice president of research and development. And while their fastest- growing flavor is avocado ranch, their most popular flavor, by far, is their classic, creamy version.

“Everyone grew up with some kind of ranch dressing,” Dittami says. “With our ranch dressing, we’re able to provide that same a flavor profile people love, but with organic, better-for-you ingredients.”

Head to these local hotspots to sample the delectable dressing on wings and other things:

BRD: Located inside R. House and in Federal Hill, this snack shop serves all things chicken, including tasty Alabama White and Sweet Thai Chili wings. 301 W. 29th St.

Ale Mary’s: Ale Mary’s offers a pound of grilled wings with your choice of ranch or blue cheese on the side. For something smaller, try the cheesy tots, which are also served with ranch dressing. 1939 Fleet St.

Joe Squared: This popular Station North eatery offers everything from sweet pineapple jerk wings to “extremely hot” 18 pepper wings. 33 W. North St.

Kislings Tavern: For a dizzying selection of wing flavors, including mango habañero, buffalo Thai peanut, and chipotle BBQ, stop into this Canton favorite. 2100 Fleet St.

The Local Fry: This Hampden restaurant serves international eats and a variety of flavors of wings, like Kansas City BBQ and Carribbean Citrus, as well as ranch-topped chicken bacon fries. 711 W. 40th St.

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In other ranch news: Last March, about 8,000 bottles of ranch dressing spilled from a truck after it crashed near Hagerstown. The product fell into the Little Conococheague Creek, where it floated downstream. At one point, workers cleaned up about 3,000 bottles of the creamy sauce that were pooled in a single area along the creek.

So much for the first day of spring. This week might officially mark the start of the warmer season, but Winter Storm Toby has Baltimoreans stocking up on groceries and breaking out the folding chairs to reserve their parking spots. The nor’easter is expected to bring high winds, and dump nearly eight inches of snow on Charm City and the surrounding areas through Wednesday, March 21.

Although schools and offices might be closed, local bars and restaurants will be open for business—offering snow day deals to keep you feeling cozy throughout the storm. So bundle up tight, throw on a pair of boots, and head to these area watering holes to fully embrace the snowy weather. 

101 Deli Bar: This Federal Hill hangout, along with its neighboring sister-spots Banditos and Wayward Smokehouse, will all be offering all-day happy hour deals to celebrate the snow day. At 101, enjoy $2 snacks like crostinis and fried mozzarella, as well as discounted draft beers, cocktails, and wines. 1118 S. Charles St., 443-682-9480.

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar: Bartender Doug Atwell is serving up a special spiked cocoa to help neighbors stay warm at this Hampden hangout. Snag a seat at the bar to enjoy the Cross Country #2, which combines cocoa with Mellow Corn whiskey, Fernet-Branca amaro, and Angostura rum cream. 1601 Union Ave., 443-948-5590

The Brewer’s Art: Retreat from the freezing temperatures at this Mt. Vernon gem, which will be opening for dinner service at 4 p.m. Specifically for the storm, the microbrewery is putting its barrel-aged Charm City Cherry on draft. Sample the brew while enjoying hearty dishes like chili-glazed pork belly and Roseda steak frites from chef Andrew Weinzirl. 1106 N. Charles St., 410-547-6925

Das Bier Haus: In Federal Hill, this German beer hall is giving the term “snow boots” an entirely new meaning. Grab a group of friends and down a three-liter boot of beer while digging into eats like giant pretzels and poutine. The bar is opening early at 11 a.m., and offering a special list of snow specials all day long. 1542 Light St., 443-708-8854

The Food Market: In honor of Winter Storm Toby, this Hampden dining destination is offering a $20 dinner special on steak frites with three-onion butter, truffle parmesan fries, and charred asparagus,. Plus, The Food Market’s daily happy hour specials begin at 5 p.m. 1017 W. 36th St., 410-366-0606. 

Joe Squared: This Station North hangout famous for its live music and square-shaped pizzas will be throwing a special “O’ Spring Where Art Thou?” pizza party on March 20 and 21. All diners who brave the cold to visit the eatery will receive a free cheese pizza with the purchase of any other pie. There will also be plenty of drink options to wash down the eats, as Joe Squared boasts a lengthy draft list and one of the largest rum collections around. 33 W. North Ave., 410-545-0444

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Head to this Canton corner spot to welcome the storm in style with $2 Miller Lites and $5 Smirnoff bombs starting at 12 p.m., and running throughout the day and night. 2844 Hudson St., 410-327-2883

Lobo: Nothing says cozy like the toasted sandwiches and hearty soups at this corner spot in Fells Point, which will be opening early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Head to the bar to indulge in steamy bowls of pho, as well as happy hour specials on oysters, beer, cocktails, wine, and snacks from 2-7 p.m. 1900 Aliceanna St., 410-327-0303.

Luigi’s Italian Deli: Stay in your pajamas and head to this Hampden favorite to enjoy all-day breakfast until 4 p.m. Plus, as a one-day-only snow special, Luigi’s is offering a free bag of Utz chips with the purchase of any sandwich. 846 W. 36th St., 43-438-4195

Mt. Washington Tavern: Watch the flakes fall from this neighborhood gathering spot, which will be offering snow day specials including $2 Narragansett cans and $4 rail pints. The menu also lists plenty of cold-weather snacks including bowls of three-beef chili and Maryland crab soup. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

Parts & Labor: Grab a group of friends and head to this Remington spot to play a game of life-sized Jenga, and indulge in all-day happy hour deals. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887

The Point in Fells: Bundle up tight and walk Fells Point’s cobblestone streets to land at this community pub. The Point will be hosting an all-day snow day happy hour featuring $4 wines and drafts, $5 calls and bombs, and $6 Crushes. 1738 Thames St., 410-327-7264

The Rowhouse Grille: Brave the slushy sidewalks and make your way over to this Federal Hill neighborhood haunt to celebrate the snow day accordingly with $4 drafts and $8 burgers all day long. 1400 Light St., 443-438-7289

National Rum Day couldn’t have come at a better time. As the summer draws to a close, we can’t think of a more ideal way to savor the season than with a colorful punch or strong Dark ‘n’ Stormy. And luckily, Charm City is chock-full of industry talent getting creative with rum varieties from near and far.

One of the city’s largest rum collections can be found behind the bar at pizza palace and live music venue Joe Squared in Station North. The origins of the bar’s inventory date back to 2005, when owner Joe Edwardsen first opened the spot and noticed a need for more rum destinations in the city. Since then, the offerings have grown to include more than 35 rum options from 15 different countries.

“It’s a very versatile beverage,” says general manager Okan Arabacioglu, who has tended bar at Joe Squared for nearly a decade. “The fermentation and the way it’s barreled and aged has a huge impact on how the rum develops into its own character.”

Arabacioglu says that he enjoys introducing barflies to the different types of rum, mentioning bottles from as far as Guatemala and the West Indies. Among some of the bar’s most popular rum cocktails include a Campari punch, a spin on a traditional rum runner, and a ginger-basil mojito muddled with lime juice, basil leaves, and evaporated cane sugar.

“There are a lot of rums that need to be explored,” Arabacioglu says. “Like whiskey, there are many varieties that are so smooth and beautiful, but not a lot of people know about. It’s very underappreciated.”

Along with Joe Squared, there are plenty of other local spots that boast stellar rum collections. Here are our picks for the best places to celebrate the spirit:

Alma Cocina Latina: The colorful cocktails at this Venezuelan restaurant in the Canton Can Company pair nicely with the dishes that come out of the kitchen looking like works of art. Making use of both foreign (think Papa’s Pilar and Brugal) and local Old Line Spirits rum, the bar menu lists many different coladas and island cocktails including the “Playa Desnuda,” with pineapple-infused rum, house pineapple kombucha, orange juice, and cardamom bitters. 2400 Boston St., 667-212-4273

Bar Vasquez: This Argentinian spot in Harbor East offers its own spin on a rum and coke featuring Myer’s dark rum, fernet branca, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, lime, and cola. Stop by during weekday happy hour to enjoy the sip alongside $5 snacks from 5-7 p.m. 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296

Blackwater Distilling: Just in time for National Rum Day, this Kent Island-based distillery has finally debuted its new solera-aged rum—an interval process that involves mixing ages in barrels. Plenty of local bars offer Blackwater products, including the fan-favorite Picaroon rum. Among them are Bookmakers, Blue Pit BBQ, and The Oceanaire Seafood Room. 184 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, 443-249-3123

Bluebird Cocktail Room: Head to this literary-themed Hampden hangout to sip craft cocktails while browsing classic books. The new summer menu features a frozen pina colada, “Don’s Banana Hammock” with rum and bananas, and the “Expression of the Divine,” which highlights peach rum. 3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263

Gunther & Co.: Along with a list of house libations, this Brewers Hill bar features a few cocktails spotlighting Gosling’s dark rum. Head outside to its picturesque patio to sample the cleverly named “Rye’n Gosling,” with Rittenhouse rye, Gosling’s dark rum, caffo amaro, agave, and flamed lemon. There is also the “The Ibis,” which mixes the dark rum with campari, velvet falernum, pineapple, and lime juice. 3650 Toone St., 443-869-6874

Lobo: Spend happy hour sipping the fan-favorite Mai Tai at this Fells Point watering hole. The signature cocktail ($9) mixes Kraken rum, Appleton white rum, Grand Marnier, fresh-squeezed orange juice, housemade grenadine, and housemade almond syrup. 1900 Aliceanna St., 410-327-0303

Little Havana: This South Baltimore staple stays true to its Cuban inspiration by featuring authentic eats and plenty of rum drinks at the bar. Aside from a traditional mojito, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, and rum runner, the spot also features a “Goombay Smash” with coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple, and orange juice. 1325 Key Highway, 410-837-9903

R. Bar: The centerpiece bar inside Remington food hall R. House will be celebrating Rum Day in style with drinks off of its summer camp-inspired seasonal menu. The rum-focused “This One Time, At Band Camp” (a nod to cult classic American Pie) features Charanda Uruapan Mexican rum, Shrub District strawberry dill shrub, White Envelope spiced syrup, lemon, and mint. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570

OPEN

The Happy Grape: Workers in downtown’s central business district will no longer have to search high and low for a bottle of wine on their way home, now that the owners of Water Street Tavern have opened this quaint 1000-square foot wine shop next door to their restaurant. The Happy Grape, which debuted earlier this month, currently specializes in beer and wine, but local spirits and gourmet cheeses will soon be added to the menu. 104 Water St., 410-605-9495

Katana: It’s hard not to fall in love with Canton, which is why Jimmy Chang, owner of Katana, decided to open a new sushi joint there. With a full bar, extensive sushi menu, and other Japanese cuisine, consider Katana for a quick lunch with friends or a night out. The lunch plates like chicken teriyaki or shrimp tempura start at $9.95, so a midday snack with co-workers doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. 845 S. Montford Ave., 410-522-7100

Magdalena: Housed in a Mt. Vernon mansion, restaurant Magdalena will be opening inside the luxurious Ivy Hotel. During the restaurant’s soft opening, featured items include Chesapeake soft-shell crab, fillet of Alaskan halibut, and cheese and shiitake tortellini. The full menu will feature global cuisine and is scheduled to unveil in the coming weeks. 205 E. Biddle St., 443-503-4501

OPENING SOON

The Brass Elephant: Closed since 2009, this Baltimore classic was recently purchased by husband and wife Steven and Linda Rivelis. The duo was married at Brass Elephant and intends to update the restaurant with a global menu inspired by their 60-day trip around the world. Despite renovations and changes, the restaurant will pay homage to the Charm City staple it once was. The Rivelis have not yet released the new name of the restaurant, though it is rumored that it will be opening as The Elephant. 924 N. Charles St.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: You’ll no longer need to track the whereabouts of local pop-up personality Dylan Salmon when cravings for oysters strike. The seafood connoisseur has found a permanent home for this quaint raw bar at 3446 Chestnut Ave. in Hampden. Salmon’s previous shucking gigs include fleeting appearances at W.C. Harlan, Blue Pit BBQ, and The Hatch, an underground Mt. Vernon space operated by Phil Han of Dooby’s that hosts extended pop-ups. His new spot, which is slated to open in October, will offer raw and fried oysters, and specialize in bean-inspired dishes. 3446 Chestnut Ave.

Loch Bar: Authentic Maryland seafood is slated to come any day now at the Loch Bar. Atlas Restaurant Group’s newest addition will feature a raw bar, local craft beers, and a 50-year-old recipe for Maryland crab soup from the owner’s grandmother. 200 International Dr.

EXPANDING

Ropewalk OC: Lively last-call sing-a-longs and vintage décor make Ropewalk Tavern one of Federal Hill’s most coveted bars. The Ropewalk brand made its way to the Eastern Shore two years ago with the opening of a location in Fenwick Island, and earlier this month a third restaurant made its debut on 83rd St. in Ocean City. The new space features a massive deck overlooking the bay, a waterfront bar, and an outdoor stage that allows for live entertainment during happy hour. There’s no better time to head downee ocean for classic seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp mac-and-cheese. 8203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-524-1009

Wit & Wisdom: As if dining along Baltimore’s waterfront and enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets doesn’t seem lovely enough, Wit & Wisdom’s patio—known as Wit on the Water—has expanded to offer more outdoor dining options in Harbor East. Enjoy the raw bar, a new cocktail menu, and a smoker for barbecue. Throughout the summer Wit on the Water will play host to live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays, and the new outdoor kitchen has prompted a pig roast on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You can also relax with bottomless rosé on Thursdays and bottomless mimosas every Sunday. 200 International Dr., Baltimore, 410-576-5800

CH-CH-CHANGES

Joe Squared: The Station North location of beloved Joe Squared is moving from its original home on North Avenue to a bigger space just down the street. The new restaurant will feature the same great menu, with expanded seating options and a bigger area for performances. So don’t panic if you don’t see Joe Squared at the normal locale this fall, just walk a few blocks down the street and follow the smell of pizza. 133 W. North Ave., 410-545-0444

SHUT

Miguel’s Cocina y Cantina: Owner Michael Marx, who previously owned Blue Agave in Federal Hill, announced earlier this week that Miguel’s, his Locust Point cantina, has closed its doors for good. It’s been reported that the reason for the closure was lease-related. No word yet on what will become of the space, which has been serving up authentic Mexican fare since opening in 2010. 1200 Stuart St.

It’s another Saturday night at Joe Squared: The beer is flowing, the pizzas are square, and Yoshi Horiguchi is in the middle of the crowd, tearing up a version of Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor” on his double bass. Not exactly what you’d expect, but there’s an insurgency of sorts going on here. Credit Classical Revolution Baltimore.

The organization started in San Francisco nearly a decade ago, as a way for classical musicians to get their acts out of stuffy concert halls and into more populist venues—bars, coffee shops, art galleries. Peabody grad Rafaela Dreisin introduced the revolution, which is now active in over 30 cities worldwide, to Baltimore in 2010. Since then, she and cohort Stephanie Ray have organized more than 75 free concerts in locations from Mt. Vernon Park to Liam Flynn’s Ale House. The group holds a monthly residency at Joe Squared cheekily dubbed “Drunk Bach.”

For Dreisin, a trumpet player who works for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program, it’s all about exposing open minds to her beloved craft. “I grew up being taken to classical music concerts by my parents, but none of my friends were ever interested,” she says. “I always thought they would really like it if it was presented to them in a different way.”

The musicians themselves—a rotating mix of recent grads from area music programs—appreciate the nontraditional venues as much as the audience does. “It’s definitely different than playing in a quiet concert hall,” says Horiguchi, who serves as principal bassist with the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra. “Performing in front of a reactive audience is like eating a different cuisine, but I like the variety. Sometimes you want Chinese, sometimes you want pizza.”

And sometimes you want a little Bach with your pizza.